A research project considering the environmental impact of developments at Dapto.

1. An investigation into population growth in West Dapto By Jessica T

6. It is an area of 4700 hectares extending from Kembla Grange in the North to Marshall Mount Creek. It runs from the Princess Highway in the East up to the foothills of the escarpment in the West.

20. Satisfaction (0 – poor, 10 – very happy) Number of people

28. Age Group West Dapto Wollongong 0 - 4 10.1% 6.6% 5 - 9 9.8% 6.9% 10 - 14 8.6% 6.7% 25 - 34 18.8 % 13.8% 35 - 44 18.2% 14.8% 65 + 4.4% 14.2%

44. Parks and recreation areas, sporting facilities Playgroups, schools, churches Connection of suburbs Community centre, community social events Easy access and connections between residents of suburbs Bring the whole, wider community together Bringing together people with common interests. Public places gives the community areas to come together and interact A sense of community and togetherness

45. Isolation of suburbs Busier Too many people Overwhelming – transform into a city lifestyle rather than a suburban lifestyle Less time to socialize in community Association only within suburbs and not larger community Sense of isolation and loneliness

46. Aim 2: To identify the economical impacts of the West Dapto Master Plan. Hypothesis 2: That the West Dapto Master Plan will boost the economy of the local region, bringing businesses and employment opportunities to the region. As well as aiming to increase population in West Dapto the council also aims on establishing several business areas. The construction of business/industrial/warehousing precincts will bring an estimated 33452 jobs to the region by 2027. As Dapto is being planned to become a sub-regional centre it is likely to provide incentive for businesses to invest in the local area. The coinciding Dapto Mall revitalisation along with shops and local businesses that will be set up in West Dapto means that residents won’t have to travel far to go to the shops and are more likely to buy locally, keeping their money in the area. It is also likely to attract people who live locally, in the Wollongong area but not in the actual area, bringing more money into the local economy.

47. Because Dapto is trying to be established as a sub-regional centre lots of money will be put into the developing the area. Both the state government and the local council will also be directing their resources to the region and will put in lots of effort to help establish the area.

52. The development of West Dapto will have major effects socially and economically but there are numerous ways in which they can be controlled and managed effectively to keep with the West Dapto Release Area statement that: In accordance with the goals of the Wollongong City Council Corporate Plan, Council will manage the development program for West Dapto to achieve an economic, environmental and socially sustainable urban development for the current and future residents of Wollongong.